FSSAI Central License

What the FSSAI Central Licence is

The FSSAI Central Licence is the highest tier of food licensing in India, issued by the central licensing authority of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is mandatory for large food businesses — generally those with annual turnover above ₹20 crore — and, critically, for any business that operates across multiple states, imports or exports food, or supplies to government catering and central agencies, regardless of turnover.

Because it covers higher-risk and larger-scale operations, the Central Licence involves stricter documentation and food-safety requirements than the State Licence. Importers, large manufacturers, e-commerce food sellers, 100% export-oriented units and operators at ports, airports and on transport carriers all fall under central licensing.

Who must hold a Central Licence

• Food businesses with annual turnover above ₹20 crore.
• Importers and exporters of food products (mandatory irrespective of turnover).
• Businesses with operations in more than one state (head-office Central Licence).
• Large manufacturers, e-commerce food operators and suppliers to central government agencies.
• Operators at airports, seaports and on railways/transport.

Documents required

• Form B signed by the authorised signatory.
• ID and address proof of directors/partners and the nominated person.
• Premises proof, complete unit layout plan and list of equipment with capacity.
• Food category list, food-safety management system plan and a recognised-lab water/ingredient test report.
• For importers: IEC code; plus incorporation, GST and authority documents.

Process, validity and timelines

We file on the FoSCoS portal under the correct central category, submit the technical documentation, and liaise with the central authority and inspectors. The licence is issued for one to five years at your choice. Because central applications are scrutinised more closely and an inspection is common, processing typically takes longer than a State Licence — we prepare thoroughly to avoid back-and-forth that delays issuance.

Penalties and ongoing compliance

Operating without the required licence can attract a penalty up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment up to six months; importing food without a Central Licence can stall consignments at customs. Central licensees must display the licence number, file periodic returns where applicable, and maintain food-safety records. We manage renewals, annual returns and any modification (adding products or premises) so your licence always matches your operations.

Why TCC for your Central Licence

Central licensing is documentation-heavy and inspection-prone. Our experts assemble a complete, audit-ready application, coordinate the inspection, and handle returns and renewals — so your imports clear and your operations stay compliant. Fixed fee, end to end.